Avoiding wildfire smoke 

Many aren’t aware, but Kentucky’s spring wildfire season annually runs from February 15 to April 30. Approximately 1,000 wildfires burned about 48,000 acres across Kentucky in 2023. Smoke produced by a large fire can degrade local air quality and cause breathing difficulties for children and adults living miles from the fire’s source. 

How can wildfire smoke affect me? 

It’s always a good idea to check your local Air Quality Index, or AQI. The AQI gives five levels of air quality—on a scale between 0–500. An AQI of 150 or higher means air quality is poor and unhealthy. Up-to-the-minute public air quality data is easily accessible online through websites like airnow.gov and in weather apps on most smartphones. 

Poor air quality isn’t good for anyone. But those with conditions like asthma, COPD or heart disease may be more sensitive to adverse changes in air quality and should be cautious when the AQI starts to creep up. Common wildfire smoke-related symptoms include shortness of air/breath, asthma attacks, headaches, fatigue, stinging eyes, scratchy throat, irritated sinuses and increased heartbeat. 

Ways to help protect yourself 

Limiting exposure is the key to reducing the effects of breathing poor-quality air. Here are a few ways to help protect your breathing: 

Stay inside with windows closed and air conditioner running. Remember to clean/change your filters on a routine basis. 

When driving, set your air conditioner to recirculate to limit poor air intake. 

Limit physical activity outside when the AQI is higher than 200 (others with chronic disease may want to consider heading indoors at lower readings). 

Wear a mask, but more specifically an N95 or approved P100 respirator. Check that it has been approved by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health. 

In the event of a nearby wildfire, stay aware of air quality reports and emergency communications from local officials and first responders. If you begin to have symptoms, seek appropriate medical attention.

FEBRUARY WEATHER IN KENTUCKY can bring anything: a warm, spring-like day, a frigid snowstorm or even a raging wildfire. 

Many aren’t aware, but Kentucky’s spring wildfire season annually runs from February 15 to April 30. Approximately 1,000 wildfires burned about 48,000 acres across Kentucky in 2023. Smoke produced by a large fire can degrade local air quality and cause breathing difficulties for children and adults living miles from the fire’s source. 

How can wildfire smoke affect me? 

It’s always a good idea to check your local Air Quality Index, or AQI. The AQI gives five levels of air quality—on a scale between 0–500. An AQI of 150 or higher means air quality is poor and unhealthy. Up-to-the-minute public air quality data is easily accessible online through websites like airnow.gov and in weather apps on most smartphones. 

Poor air quality isn’t good for anyone. But those with conditions like asthma, COPD or heart disease may be more sensitive to adverse changes in air quality and should be cautious when the AQI starts to creep up. Common wildfire smoke-related symptoms include shortness of air/breath, asthma attacks, headaches, fatigue, stinging eyes, scratchy throat, irritated sinuses and increased heartbeat. 

Ways to help protect yourself 

Limiting exposure is the key to reducing the effects of breathing poor-quality air. Here are a few ways to help protect your breathing: 

Stay inside with windows closed and air conditioner running. Remember to clean/change your filters on a routine basis. 

When driving, set your air conditioner to recirculate to limit poor air intake. 

Limit physical activity outside when the AQI is higher than 200 (others with chronic disease may want to consider heading indoors at lower readings). 

Wear a mask, but more specifically an N95 or approved P100 respirator. Check that it has been approved by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health. 

In the event of a nearby wildfire, stay aware of air quality reports and emergency communications from local officials and first responders. If you begin to have symptoms, seek appropriate medical attention.

JASON BALLENGEE, D.O., is assistant professor of internal medicine at the UK College of Medicine and a pulmonary/critical care physician with UK HealthCare.